1 Corinthians 14:1-5

New International Version

Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love^(A) and eagerly desire^(B) gifts of the Spirit,^(C) especially prophecy.^(D) ²For anyone who speaks in a tongue^[a]^(E) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;^(F) they utter mysteries^(G) by the Spirit. ³But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^(H) encouraging^(I) and comfort. ⁴Anyone who speaks in a tongue^(J) edifies^(K) themselves, but the one who prophesies^(L) edifies the church. ⁵I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,^[b] but I would rather have you prophesy.^(M) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,^[c] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.^(N)

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Footnotes

1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

New American Standard Bible

Prophecy a Superior Gift

14 ^(A)Pursue love, yet earnestly ^(B)desire ^(C)spiritual gifts, but especially that you may ^(D)prophesy. ²For the one who ^(E)speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one ^[a]understands, but ^[b]in his spirit he speaks ^(F)mysteries. ³But the one who prophesies speaks to people for ^(G)edification, ^[c]^(H)exhortation, and consolation. ⁴The one who ^(I)speaks in a tongue ^(J)edifies himself; but the one who ^(K)prophesies ^(L)edifies the church. ⁵Now I wish that you all ^(M)spoke in tongues, but ^(N)rather that you would prophesy; and greater is the one who prophesies than the one who ^(O)speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive ^(P)edification.